i wake up every morning and my whole mouth is covered with a sticky grayish-white stuff, i dont have it when i go to bed at night but its there when i wake up in the morning. it covers the inside of my cheeks, my tongue and now my tonsils. also i woke up this week with a horrendous sore thoat (tonsil) and was wondering if yeast can cause this. also my tongue whole mouth is pretty sore all the time. i’m on proventil, serevent, flovent and singulair. how do you know if its yeast? and any good links out there with pictures? thanks for any advice, will
It sure sounds like yeast infection [candida]. You will need a prescription antifungal like Nystatin. Here are pictures: http://www.gastrolab.net/pa-047.htm Candia Oesophagitis due to Treatment with Inhalated Steroids Candidiasis (Cutaneous) To minimize future occurances, be sure to use an AeroChamber spacer with your Flovent MDI; rinse and gargle after inhaling and drink a glass of water to wash residue down. Ellis
Since you’re on inhaled steroids and have these symptoms, it’s a pretty good bet that you have thrush. This is a fungal infection that can be fought with Nystatin mouthwash. But why guess? It’s worth a visit to your doctor. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i wake up every morning and my whole mouth is covered with a sticky grayish-white stuff, i dont have it when i go to bed at night but its there when i wake up in the morning. it covers the inside of my cheeks, my tongue and now my tonsils. also i woke up this week with a horrendous sore thoat (tonsil) and was wondering if yeast can cause this. also my tongue whole mouth is pretty sore all the time. i’m on proventil, serevent, flovent and singulair. how do you know if its yeast? and any good links out there with pictures? thanks for any advice, will
i wake up every morning and my whole mouth is covered with a sticky grayish-white stuff, i dont have it when i go to bed at night but its there when i wake up in the morning. it covers the inside of my cheeks, my tongue and now my tonsils. also i woke up this week with a horrendous sore thoat (tonsil) and was wondering if yeast can cause this. also my tongue whole mouth is pretty sore all the time. i’m on proventil, serevent, flovent and singulair. how do you know if its yeast? and any good links out there with pictures? thanks for any advice, will
Sounds like it to me… It is very painful I hear… I’ve seen it only on my son so I couldn’t attest to that. I would check it out with your doctor…there are some very good medications to get rid of it… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i wake up every morning and my whole mouth is covered with a sticky grayish-white stuff, i dont have it when i go to bed at night but its there when i wake up in the morning. it covers the inside of my cheeks, my tongue and now my tonsils. also i woke up this week with a horrendous sore thoat (tonsil) and was wondering if yeast can cause this. also my tongue whole mouth is pretty sore all the time. i’m on proventil, serevent, flovent and singulair. how do you know if its yeast? and any good links out there with pictures? thanks for any advice, will
Thanks to all who replied to my question about Advair. We were very careful to keep the Flovent the same level (she used the Flovent inhaler in addition to the Advair to keep it equal) and she switched from a Serevent diskus, so all things should have been the same. However, I left the choice to her, and she decided to go back to the Serevent diskus and Flovent MDI. She hasn’t been having any problem since. I guess it’s a case of "different strokes for different folks." sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com
Does Advair have the same compounds as Pulmicort. Check with your doctor. Lane – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned. My 13-y.o. daughter has severe asthma and takes Accolate, Serevent, Flovent, and Zyrtec. She’s been well controlled over the summer. In the past she has tried Pulmicort Turbohaler and had disastrous results. She couldn’t sleep at night, couldn’t wake in the morning, and had awful nightmares and almost "psychotic" dreams/nighttime episodes. This occured between 1-3 weeks after starting Pulmicort, and when we made the connection we put her back on Flovent and she was fine. (And this has happened twice, at 18-mo intervals). Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience. But since it’s just the first couple of weeks of school, it’s hard to say whether it’s Advair-related or normal teen adjustment to a daytime schedule! Though she did also just yesterday have her first asthma flare in a long while – several weeks at least (used the neb for the first time since the beginning of summer). So my question is, has anyone had similar problems with Pulmicort Turbohaler, and what is the experience of those "sensitive" people to Advair? Is there something related to the delivery method? Or was the Pulmicort/Flovent difference related to the drug involved? I should also mention that’s she’s one of those unfortunate people who responds "over the top" to prednisone…every bad side effect known to woman! Munchies, water retention, screaming meanies, etc. Thanks for any light you can shed. Sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com
Her reaction to Advair shouldn’t be any different than her reaction to Flovent and Serevent since Advair is the combination of the 2 drugs in a more convenient form. What dose is she on? And did she increase her dose? For example if she was on Flovent 220 is her Advair 250/50? Or higher?
Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience.
It may be an issue of dose. It is possible that her technique with the MDI is not optimal so what the doctor thinks is an equivalent dose of the dry powder inhalers is actually an increase. Advair comes in three different strengths so it may be possible to reduce her dose safely. — CBI, MD
I took Advair for about six weeks and finally decided to take a break inasmuch as my nasal passges have been very sore deuring that time. I don’t know if there’s a connection, thus the break to see what happens. If it clears up then reappears when I resume the Advair, then I’ve resolved the problem. I did find that the NIH resume was most helpful … I don’t have it in front of me, but loss of sleep might’ve been one of the side effects. Hope this helps … Al Fisher
Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned.
I loved Advair. I was down to one puff a day, and was off my ventolin inhalers completely. <I am one ofthose people who has cats, sleeps with them – and is allergic However, I also had a concern – I began having heart palpitaitons. I checked the web for side effects, asked the doctor – and my concerns were dismissed. I ended up in the hospital with Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). Normally a very healthy (other than the asthma) adult who hikes, bikes and climbs stairs, my energy level was dropping off the bottom. I have since read that the Advair guys had done some tests on VT and Advair, but I don’t know what the results were. Why would they do the tests if there was no concern? If you do develop VT from using Advair – does it disappear after you stop using it? Does anyone have any anecdotal evidence on this? Connie
I found on a switch from Aerobid to Flovent, that the switch itself caused me to be extremely sensitive for about 3 weeks. It wasn’t that the new drug didn’t work, I think it was that the old one quit before the new one built up. Time may help? LA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned. My 13-y.o. daughter has severe asthma and takes Accolate, Serevent, Flovent, and Zyrtec. She’s been well controlled over the summer. In the past she has tried Pulmicort Turbohaler and had disastrous results. She couldn’t sleep at night, couldn’t wake in the morning, and had awful nightmares and almost "psychotic" dreams/nighttime episodes. This occured between 1-3 weeks after starting Pulmicort, and when we made the connection we put her back on Flovent and she was fine. (And this has happened twice, at 18-mo intervals). Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience. But since it’s just the first couple of weeks of school, it’s hard to say whether it’s Advair-related or normal teen adjustment to a daytime schedule! Though she did also just yesterday have her first asthma flare in a long while – several weeks at least (used the neb for the first time since the beginning of summer). So my question is, has anyone had similar problems with Pulmicort Turbohaler, and what is the experience of those "sensitive" people to Advair? Is there something related to the delivery method? Or was the Pulmicort/Flovent difference related to the drug involved? I should also mention that’s she’s one of those unfortunate people who responds "over the top" to prednisone…every bad side effect known to woman! Munchies, water retention, screaming meanies, etc. Thanks for any light you can shed. Sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com
Hello. I’ve read lots of posts about Advair and seen that most people like it. But I’m still slightly concerned. My 13-y.o. daughter has severe asthma and takes Accolate, Serevent, Flovent, and Zyrtec. She’s been well controlled over the summer. In the past she has tried Pulmicort Turbohaler and had disastrous results. She couldn’t sleep at night, couldn’t wake in the morning, and had awful nightmares and almost "psychotic" dreams/nighttime episodes. This occured between 1-3 weeks after starting Pulmicort, and when we made the connection we put her back on Flovent and she was fine. (And this has happened twice, at 18-mo intervals). Well, she just started Advair about a week and a half ago and is starting to have trouble sleeping and waking. This morning she mentioned that she thinks it might be similar to the Pulmicort experience. But since it’s just the first couple of weeks of school, it’s hard to say whether it’s Advair-related or normal teen adjustment to a daytime schedule! Though she did also just yesterday have her first asthma flare in a long while – several weeks at least (used the neb for the first time since the beginning of summer). So my question is, has anyone had similar problems with Pulmicort Turbohaler, and what is the experience of those "sensitive" people to Advair? Is there something related to the delivery method? Or was the Pulmicort/Flovent difference related to the drug involved? I should also mention that’s she’s one of those unfortunate people who responds "over the top" to prednisone…every bad side effect known to woman! Munchies, water retention, screaming meanies, etc. Thanks for any light you can shed. Sue — Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music http://www.dirtylinen.com
Just out of curiosity, what are the know side-effects (long term) of taking a leukotriene inhibitor. It seems to me that leukotrienes play a somewhat vital role in the body so I’m curious as to what the dangers are of taking something like Accolate which inhibits them?
Just out of curiosity, what are the know side-effects (long term) of taking a leukotriene inhibitor. It seems to me that leukotrienes play a somewhat vital role in the body so I’m curious as to what the dangers are of taking something like Accolate which inhibits them?
I’m sure others will provide more details but anyway— the drugs singulair and accolate are leukotriene receptor antagonists. That may seem a bit Greek but what they do is to compete with leukotrienes for the leukotriene binding site on the outside cell surface. If the site is already complexed with singulair or accolate then the leukotriene can not bind and the cascade of events that would have followed does not occur. There are some structural (chemical) differences in the antagonistic active ingredient of accolate and singulair. They are not the same molecule although they fulfill the same function, hence two patents and two drugs. Apparently the ability of the active ingredient to bind to the leukotriene receptor differs between the two. That’s why singulair is one pill a day and accolate is twice a day. Also, the leukotriene receptors are not identical in every individual, apparently there is some genetic diversity for their chemical structure. That’s why some people are helped by one but not the other and why not everyone is helped by either of them (of course there are probably several other reasons also, like the cause of the inflammation that gets labeled asthma) . From what I’ve seen here and from the package insert (I believe) accolate is degraded by the liver while singulair is not (anybody can step in here if they have a better understanding). In fact I think I’ll quit before I get beyond my own understanding. I hope someone corrects me if I have provided an incorrect view of their mechanism.
Just out of curiosity, what are the know side-effects (long term) of taking a leukotriene inhibitor. It seems to me that leukotrienes play a somewhat vital role in the body so I’m curious as to what the dangers are of taking something like Accolate which inhibits them?
Well, it’s probably safe to say that no one knows what the long-term side-effects are. Generally these would be projected from animal studies where high concentrations are fed to the animals, hoping to accelerate any negative effects, and this approach has been reasonably reliable in most cases. Such studies are in no way a sure thing, however, as has been demonstrated by the recall of several drugs recently. One advantage of leukotriene inhibitors, though, is that the drugs more accurately "target" the problem being treated than do steroids (which are something of a blunderbuss approach).
Thanks for the help. Brian’s chest specialist is planning to substitute Singulair for Flovent. My husband and I are still deciding whether to stop the Flovent and change to Singulair or put up with the behaviour changes and leave him on Flovent. The Flovent does work. I’ve been using the other powerful effective steroid Pulmicort for some nine months and it’s done me a whole lot of good. Last month I started taking Singulair. Didn’t notice any effect for a few days. But now, thirty days later, I’m using a whole lot less of the rescue inhaler (albuterol) And from time to time, I’m forgetting to take the Pulmicort. I can’t believe your doctor want’s to stop the Flovent before seeing what effect the Singulair may have. (From the point of view of "If it works, don’ mess with it." Are you sure you read him right?
I may be a little late with this response. My son has been sporatically on Singular since he was 3 y.o… The reason for only being on it once in a while is because it gave him headaches. It took me a while to figure out they were related to the Singular, but it is listed as a side effect. Our doctor initially had given him a 5mg chewable. Then had us break it in half when the headaches started. The headaches continued so I gave up on it until recently I’ve tried him on 1/2 tablets again (he is 5 now) and he seems to do better on them. Just FYI …keep it in mind that there are side effects to the Singular. Marina – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the help. Brian’s chest specialist is planning to substitute Singulair for Flovent. My husband and I are still deciding whether to stop the Flovent and change to Singulair or put up with the behaviour changes and leave him on Flovent. The Flovent does work. He has gotten sick this week with the flu and his asthma has not flared yet (yay!!!). I have talked to other parents who have had the same experience we have with using flovent. I haven’t seen any studies that say flovent causes behaviour changes but can only go by what I am seeing. Debbie If you haven’t already tried it, you might be surprised about your son’s reaction to Singulair. It tastes _so_ pleasing to children that I’ve read (sorry, can’t recall the source) that there is pressure on the maker to change the flavor to something less palatable. There’ve been incidents of children overdosing on it, perhaps seeing it more as It’s small, cute, pink and tastes great. Even my 10-year old, for whom Singulair proved ineffective, whined the other day he wishes he could take it again, it tasted so good. Crushing it and sprinkling it in something should be no problem for him. ~Jacy
Thanks for the help. Brian’s chest specialist is planning to substitute Singulair for Flovent. My husband and I are still deciding whether to stop the Flovent and change to Singulair or put up with the behaviour changes and leave him on Flovent. The Flovent does work. He has gotten sick this week with the flu and his asthma has not flared yet (yay!!!). I have talked to other parents who have had the same experience we have with using flovent. I haven’t seen any studies that say flovent causes behaviour changes but can only go by what I am seeing. Debbie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you haven’t already tried it, you might be surprised about your son’s reaction to Singulair. It tastes _so_ pleasing to children that I’ve read (sorry, can’t recall the source) that there is pressure on the maker to change the flavor to something less palatable. There’ve been incidents of children overdosing on it, perhaps seeing it more as It’s small, cute, pink and tastes great. Even my 10-year old, for whom Singulair proved ineffective, whined the other day he wishes he could take it again, it tasted so good. Crushing it and sprinkling it in something should be no problem for him. ~Jacy
If you haven’t already tried it, you might be surprised about your son’s reaction to Singulair. It tastes _so_ pleasing to children that I’ve read (sorry, can’t recall the source) that there is pressure on the maker to change the flavor to something less palatable. There’ve been incidents of children overdosing on it, perhaps seeing it more as It’s small, cute, pink and tastes great. Even my 10-year old, for whom Singulair proved ineffective, whined the other day he wishes he could take it again, it tasted so good. Crushing it and sprinkling it in something should be no problem for him. ~Jacy
Hi, I’m on flovent since 1999, i’ve never had behavior and personality affects and never heard of some in children. You may try to check other places than flovent side effects. It’s working well, for singulair, headache can occur, if it doesn’t disappear after 2-3 days see your MD to quit singulair. Singulair work well in 1/3 of the peoples, there’s majority of children in this 1/3, another 1/3 get some result, and finally 1/3 don’t get any benifit. You can see result 2-3 days after the first treatment. Don’t quit flovent, for your child don’t worry you’re in the "terrible 2 years" period, they always say no, it like the small angel tranform itself in a little devil! Good luck! AT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 2 1/2 year old son is currently using flovent as his preventer medication. We have found that this affects his behaviour and personality. When I discussed this with his chest specialist he claims that flovent should not affect his personality. He suggested that we try singulair with him. Two questions immediately come to mind. One, how do you give a chewable singulair tablet to a child who will refuse to chew it? (He will not chew anything hard). Two, does anyone have experience with giving singulair to a child this young? I was told that there should not be any side effects but my husband and I are concerned about using this drug. We are considering living with the flovent because we know it works. Thanks in advance. Debbie
My 2 1/2 year old son is currently using flovent as his preventer medication. We have found that this affects his behaviour and personality. When I discussed this with his chest specialist he claims that flovent should not affect his personality. He suggested that we try singulair with him. Two questions immediately come to mind. One, how do you give a chewable singulair tablet to a child who will refuse to chew it? (He will not chew anything hard). Two, does anyone have experience with giving singulair to a child this young? I was told that there should not be any side effects but my husband and I are concerned about using this drug. We are considering living with the flovent because we know it works. Thanks in advance. Debbie
Does anyone have experience with taking Celexa vs. Prozac? Thanks so much.
Does anyone have experience with taking Celexa vs. Prozac? Thanks so much.
I tried Prozac once a long time ago, but I had to stop after a few days. Prozac made me extremely anxious. Celexa is the best SSRI I have taken. I just switched from Zoloft to Celexa, and Celexa is equally or more effective as an anti-depressant with fewer and milder side effects than Zoloft, which is already a lot better than Prozac.
nope
Geoff, Thanks for the medical backing. I’ve made similar statements to my GI about pain relief; it’s nice to have a bit more knowledge to back it up. So far I’ve not had problems with pain relief, i.e. getting the right scripts, but you never know when that can change. 
mgbio CD Class of ‘99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 years ago I had open heart surgery, fortunately my IBD went into remission (any connection I wonder?) until I recovered. After the acute pain phase I was prescribed M-or-phi-ne Sulphate, these were coated, slow release tablets. I had no problems of any kind, no I add-ict-ion, no withdrawal, In fact I still have some unused. I have been tols by several doctors that provided there is a reason for taking medication, eg PAIN, addiction is not a problem. The brain associates the medication only with pain relief, so no pain to relieve, no association, so no craving. I’ve found this to be true. I take di-hydrocedeine when necessary, which I am told is metabilised to M-or–ph-ine in the body and am certainly not addicted. Geoff I do not want to have people come into this conversation to harass. bother, and preach, it is a question for pain management. I had to put this first line in to keep the ones out that don’t belong, and search for key words. I am going to break up this work, M-eth-a-done. Has anyone used this for pain management? My doctor is giving me the option of trying it with morp-hine (again-hyphenated to keep the searches out of here). Thanx. Please no preaching, only experiences for pain management, preferably for those with chronic pain, and intestinal disease. stevenscott —-
About 6 years ago I had open heart surgery, fortunately my IBD went into remission (any connection I wonder?) until I recovered. After the acute pain phase I was prescribed M-or-phi-ne Sulphate, these were coated, slow release tablets. I had no problems of any kind, no I add-ict-ion, no withdrawal, In fact I still have some unused. I have been tols by several doctors that provided there is a reason for taking medication, eg PAIN, addiction is not a problem. The brain associates the medication only with pain relief, so no pain to relieve, no association, so no craving. I’ve found this to be true. I take di-hydrocedeine when necessary, which I am told is metabilised to M-or–ph-ine in the body and am certainly not addicted. Geoff
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I do not want to have people come into this conversation to harass. bother, and preach, it is a question for pain management. I had to put this first line in to keep the ones out that don’t belong, and search for key words. I am going to break up this work, M-eth-a-done. Has anyone used this for pain management? My doctor is giving me the option of trying it with morp-hine (again-hyphenated to keep the searches out of here). Thanx. Please no preaching, only experiences for pain management, preferably for those with chronic pain, and intestinal disease. stevenscott —-
eMi, I’m on the "stronger" type of med that you talk about in your "p.s.". It has worked for me for 5 years now, and at the same dose no less. I see an anaesthesiologist in a pain management clinic. They have been wonderful to me and sooo helpful. I have my life back after being in constant pain for 32 years! I can even ride my horse more often than not 
) Linda ~~~~~~~
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was on Duragesic patches and Oxycontin b4 my surgery…I found they worked great…..made the pain bearable and I was able to function without being too loopy…..they deliver a time released dose of med and you stay comfortable for the time rather than the up and down sort of pain with the other drugs. eMi P.S. there is also a stronger time released type of morphine related to the oxycontin …I highly suggest you talk to the pharmacist…that is where I learned about the latest pain management meds.
methadone is used to treat heroin addecits thats the most iv’e heard a bout it good luck
Did you get any irriatation from the glue used on the patch? Mike I was on Duragesic patches and Oxycontin b4 my surgery…I found they worked great…..made the pain bearable and I was able to function without being too loopy…..they deliver a time released dose of med and you stay comfortable for the time rather than the up and down sort of pain with the other drugs. eMi P.S. there is also a stronger time released type of morphine related to the oxycontin …I highly suggest you talk to the pharmacist…that is where I learned about the latest pain management meds.
Leah’s Body Sugaring Recipe Make it yourself and save http://www.for-romance.com/sugar
They have an 1-800 number to get an info pack. Might be worth a look see. If you do look into it let us know about it. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You mean this: http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/ "Neurological and Spinal Business Overview Our neurological products include neurostimulation systems, drug delivery systems, neurosurgical implant devices, surgical access products, and diagnostic and therapeutic systems for chronic pain and neurologic, urologic, and gastrointestinal disorders. Eight businesses within our division work together to apply our therapies and products to provide comprehensive solutions to significant neurological disorders. Activa
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks
Shannon, You shouldn’t wean off Xanax while weaning on Celexa. Xanax helps you avoiding initial Celexa side effects which you’re so afraid of. So you’d better wait till Celexa is working properly. You can take Advil for headaches with your other meds but it might be a good question to consider whether your headache is’t an anxiety symptom too which may disappear when the Celexa will have kicked in (which may take a while, up to eight weeks although beneficial effect may come much earlier). Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks
Shannon – I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it! Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems… As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks). From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems: Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks Shannon – I’ll start with the positive report that I’ve been on Zoloft (another SSRI like Celexa) for 10 weeks with no big problems with side-effects…I have another friend who’s fiancee is on Celexa and loves it! Also, I’ve been on Xanax and Zoloft the entire time and have taken Advil several times with no problems… As far as the Xanax weening, take your time…I was taking .25 mg/ 6 times a day…I am now down to three…First things first, I would not reduce your Xanax for at least several weeks so that you have time to adjust to the Celexa and see some results (the AD’s will not do anything for several weeks). From my doctor’s advice and my own experience I recommend the following to ensure no problems: Reduce your intake by no more than .25 mg/week…The best thing to do is to stop taking it first at times when you normally feel least anxious (for me the bedtime dose went first)…Also, DON’T feel like you must adhere to your reduced dosage…If you are having breakthrough problems (as per me the last few days), I’ve found you are much better off taking the extra dose that day so that you don’t aggrevate your situation…You should be able to go to your reduced dose as soon as your breakthrough ends… Hope this all helps… — Charles Phipps
Hi Shannon! I’m only 6 weeks ahead of you! Just Xanax and Celexa-not the other one. I didn’t even discuss weaning for the 1st 4 weeks when everything started kicking in with the Celexa. My doc said I’d probably "know" when it was time and she was right. Now that the Celexa is working, the Xanax actually works like it does for people without panic-I get too sleepy! And like Charles, I’ve had moments or a day when I had to take that extra .25mg after not having it-just try to go with the flow, which will probably be your mood eventually anyway. Just take it a day at a time. BTW, I was on 3mgs a day total of Xanax for almost 3 years-I’m down to 2.25mgs a day and everythings been just fine. Celexa does work well. Try to get back to me when you want to know about any of the less pretty aspects…most were transient and not bad at all. I thought it was helpful to find people who had the same reactions. Otherwise, I think I would have been more paranoid. Let me know. Denise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks — Shannon the Barbarian ~*Note To Self : Never, ever post to a Newsgroup again without Headgear and Full Body Armor*~
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there i take xanax 0.5mgs 4 x day..I just started celexa today to hel p with the obsessive thought patterns i seem to get into…I started at 10mgs..I understand i am supposed to ween off xanax..but by how much?? Tonight i am going to cut my usual pill in half making my daily dose .25 less then regular..how long should i maintain this before reducing more?? My shrink is on holidays and i finally got up enough courage to try a new med….sheesh shitty timing on my part.. also is it ok to advil for headaches while on these meds? I also take 40mgs a day of propanolol…thanks Shannon oh and please dont tell me bad stuff about celexa like side effects etc..or else i will think i have them and stop the meds….please only good stuff Thanks
Hi Shannon, In my opinion this is not the time to be weaning off your Xanax. Most people while weaning on a anti-depressant use a benzo to help them. If you start getting funny physical sensations, you might blame the Celexa when it is really being caused by weaning off Xanax. Who told you that you had to wean off Xanax? I really advise you against decreasing your Xanax dose as of this time. You need to talk to your therapist when he gets back from holiday. I do not recommend taking Advil with the Propanolol. I would call your doctor and discuss this with him. There is a possible interaction if you take the two, and that is a decreased anti-hypertensive effect of the Propanolol. Tylenol should be fine. I think I answered you questions without saying anything bad about the Celexa…..<G!!!! Good luck!! Jackie "Strange as it may seem, my life is based on a true story
Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600
Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600
Is this possible? My therapist said I was scientifically unable to swing that fast. I am no longer seeing that therapist (or anybody else right now) and would like some information. Lady V
I am a rapid cycler, and after a year of trying different meds, I am on a cocktail that works: 1000mgs of Tegretol daily, 6mgs of Risperadal, 1mg of Klonopin, and 10mgs of Prozac, prozac every other day. I am an extreme rapid cycler (can cycle in the same hour!) and have been through enough this past year. I am also seasonal. Fall depression, spring mania. I have finally found some peace. Good luck to you. Veronica
I am a rapid cycler, and after a year of trying different meds, I am on a cocktail that works: 1000mgs of Tegretol daily, 6mgs of Risperadal, 1mg of Klonopin, and 10mgs of Prozac, prozac every other day. I am an extreme rapid cycler (can cycle in the same hour!) and have been through enough this past year. I am also seasonal. Fall depression, spring mania. I have finally found some peace. Good luck to you. Veronica
Great news on success stories is always encouraging. We have lots of rapids here (gee, advanced level water rapids just came to mind as similar), I get the feeling that most who are, would prefer not to be…..my feeling is that rapid is better for me than anything horrible that would last months. Also, since so rapid and breakthru hypomanic every few days (at least) I can’t complain about the SSRI’s bad affect on sex life. The hypomania push is stronger than the drug side effect of long long long long (why even bother) plateau to orgasm. best regards from julie
yep i sure am ….. is it any wonder that my favorite toy is Bouncing Tigger …boing boing boing….
Oh, Ralph! LOVE you! Some BP vanity plates…. I M NUTZ HI LO UP DOWN KING worm FUN E FARM
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Not a good idea, keep letting them play with the meds. I work hard at ‘tuning into" my rapid cycling when it happens. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can’t. I have also had great success by eliminating stress where I can. Cheers! Alan P.S. I absolutely HATE it when I am in mixed states and up for 15 minutes, then down for 15. Your meds must be at least limiting the range you have to deal with. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They work for a while 3-4months and than they fail – a very vicious cycle. Been really depressed past few weeks – kind of dead just watching life pass me by. If i wasn’t the single Mom of a 14yr old I throw in the bag. Sometimes I feel like saying the hell with all the meds – since I cycle anyway when I am on them maybe I should just strap in and take the ride drugless. I don’t know sorry for venting.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: I am an ultradian rapid cycler who happens to be hypomanic now. In the next five minutes???? Feel free to reply or email so that we can share experiences. Darren. — — — "Nullum illgetium prandium!" ICQ# 31191600 Is this possible? My therapist said I was scientifically unable to swing that fast. I am no longer seeing that therapist (or anybody else right now) and would like some information. Lady V
My mood can swing from normal to deeply depressed or significantly hypo (or the other way) in less than an hour. But it more often takes about 12 hours. I am fascinated by this. How rapid is rapid? jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.
I’ve been through a variety of meds, too effexor, wellbutrin, depakote. prozac, all with only temporary success. the only mood stabilizer the doc is interested in trying is depakote, and that only helps with the super highs Rapid cycling is a pain because i’m never quite sure how long any given mood is going to last. It could be weeks or months. Just to let you know you’re not alone. —
I was rapid cycling. Lithium stopped it. i take lithium and prozac, but i dont think the prozac is working yet.. it’s supposed to take 2-3 weeks or something. Anyway, i dont think that i’ll always be rapid cycling, it was the onset of my illness, and i read somewhere that females (more than males) are more prone to rapid cycling, and that it can occur at the beginning of an illness. ok,im done molly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Hi: I’m a rapid cycler myself. I’m also an aerobics instructor (well that’s what they say I am:). I agree exercise does help, but I’m still having problems. Of course I haven’t exactly been good about taking my meds so I’m probably not a good example. I too have even worse symptoms during PMS (which I now have). My prob is that the meds I’m taking (Depakote and Paxil) make extremely (yawn) lethargic. I just now started taking my Depakote again (after taking myself off of it) so we’ll see how it goes. I seem to be even worse with no meds whatsover after a while so I’m trying to hang in there and let it work. If you ever need to vent, please feel free to write, I could use some friends, especially during times like these. Cat (who has no idea what to use for coreagraphy for her next aerobics class:) Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex
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Some BP vanity plates…. I M NUTZ HI LO UP DOWN KING worm FUN E FARM
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Katnip! Me three!!! My car license is up for renewal on my birthday – July 1st, Canada Day. I grew up thinking that the fireworks and celebration were for me! What a letdown when I found out the truth. Anyway, I’m thinking of getting vanity plates that read "URC BP2". It would be kind of like the secret handshake among Masons, don’t you think? Anybody have any other suggestions for Bipolar plates? My SO wants me to get BPBEAR cause she calls me her big Bipolar Bear. Awwwwww! This is a really tough time of the year for us RC’s. Hang in there. Peace, GaryO Hi: I’m a rapid cycler myself. I’m also an aerobics instructor (well that’s what they say I am:). I agree exercise does help, but I’m still having problems. Of course I haven’t exactly been good about taking my meds so I’m probably not a good example. I too have even worse symptoms during PMS (which I now have). My prob is that the meds I’m taking (Depakote and Paxil) make extremely (yawn) lethargic. I just now started taking my Depakote again (after taking myself off of it) so we’ll see how it goes. I seem to be even worse with no meds whatsover after a while so I’m trying to hang in there and let it work. If you ever need to vent, please feel free to write, I could use some friends, especially during times like these. Cat (who has no idea what to use for coreagraphy for her next aerobics class:) Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
You bet. I’m thinking of changing my nick to Bouncing Ball. jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.
Just my opinion… from Oct of 98 to to May of 99 hardly seems like enough time to have given all of those meds enough chance to work their magic..??? peace – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
—Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
yes and i am sick of it, nothing helps lny
Hey there !! I am a rapid cycler..ultra rapid that is… anyway, I am on lamictal and it is a total life saver, you may want to try it. I feel good mentally and physically now… I been on the whole gamut too, those meds did me no good either. Also, lamictal is supposed to work very well for rapid cyclers. I know that in the past there were a few people that posted to me when I first started on it and they said they were on it and that they were doing wonderfully, I didnt get any negative responses. I dont cycle anymore but I sure do have my moments, you know those moments you could cause more damage in a house than a tornado could? :) But I am able to control myself a lot better than I used to, it is as though I have some semblance of reason when I get those feelings. Anna
I too have been working with this "moody personality" as it was origionally called for four years. I have been thru almost as many treatments as you. Sept 98′ I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar II. And as recently as Tuesday as dysphoric mania to boot. My husband and children are struggling to understand it, but I can’t seem to describe it accurately. I feel for you because if anyone has to go thru what I do on a DAILY basis, I wish them luck.
Have you read "An unquiet mind?" Good book, if you get past how "great" she is (maybe I was just in a bad mood). My parents read it, and were like, you felt that way (or feel). Hang in there! Alex
As a relative "newbie" here, what is "rapid cycling"? What makes that different from "normal" cycling if there is such a thing? … I take it that "rapid cycling" doesn’t involve the tour de france vs. a slow bicycle ride around the block Thanks, — Kevin White, Software Engineer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Hi LADYREB, I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace.
Unfortunately that is common for some of us <sigh. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Having been there…persistence and patience, which is sometimes difficult for me (understatement), I have to force myself to put one foot in front of the other (literally that can be a challenge since I have Multiple Sclerosis 
Yours,
His goal is not realistic. To have no mood swings at all, you must be drugged into oblivion. A better goal is to have <manageable mood swings. I guess that is harder for the doctor to manage. Stand firm on this one! And good luck quitting the smokes. I just started Wellbutrin, I hope that will help me. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake.
I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
They work for a while 3-4months and than they fail – a very vicious cycle. Been really depressed past few weeks – kind of dead just watching life pass me by. If i wasn’t the single Mom of a 14yr old I throw in the bag. Sometimes I feel like saying the hell with all the meds – since I cycle anyway when I am on them maybe I should just strap in and take the ride drugless. I don’t know sorry for venting.
Has exercise helped? I’m attempting to quit smoking (notice the attempting), and I can tell you that as a rapid cycler myself, exercise has been my salvation. My pdoc and I disagree on what the result of the meds should be. He wants no mood swings, I want to actually be awake. Anyway, and then there is pms week, which I think serves as a reminder to me of why I’m on meds. So, when too much stress, I still freak out, but in spurts. Anyway, exercising helps that, to relieve my stress. Alex
You haven’t tried Neurontin or Lamictal, both of which have a good reputation with rapid cycling. There are some more that you haven’t tried, but I recommend you ask about N&L first. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was diaganosed with rapid cycling bipolar in Oct. of 98. And since then have been thru a list of different drugs that would shock any pharmasist. first synthroid because they thought it was a thyroid problem. then pamelor, tofranil,paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft, effexor, remeron, buspar, mellarill, zyprexa, depakota, klonopin, tegretol, lithium, serzone, xanax all mixed into diffirnent cocktails but none that has brought me any peace. i see a physiciatrist, a therapist, and a case manager at a community phsyciatric center. my family, bless their souls , have rode the roller coaster of my exsistance with unwaving strength. but now i am search for others who understand in a way that they can’t, because only we know the battle that rages in our minds, the battle for our prescious(sp?) sanity. if you know of my battles please share with me. we all should be allies against the demons that tear at our minds , and rip our lives away from us.
Chandra, Yes, I have been there and done that! I suffer from both severe panic (or anxiety) disorder and chronic depression. I had a wonderful family doctor (younger-around 30ish) that was working with me before I became pregnant and at the time I became pregnant. He was super! He was willing to work in the "gray area" and help give me and my unborn child the best of what there was to offer. New doctor’s seem to be better at this. After I voiced my concerns to him (pretty much the same as your’s) he told me that what it came down to was what was best for both mother and child. Sure we all want to be "medication-free" but is that the best thing- even for the unborn child when the mother is not able to be out in the world, lying in bed day after day, terrified unable to care for herself let alone a new baby that’s going to be born, etc… We all know what effects STRESS has on the already born! Can medication-which hasn’t been proven to cause ill-effects on the fetus be more dangerous than the illness the mother suffers from? No one can know for sure, but both my doctor and I opted for "me" being HEALTHY with medicine over me being gravely unhealthy without needed medication. During my full-term wonderful pregancy, I was taking Prozac, Effexor(an anti-anxiety medication), and another med. I can’t remember at this time. I delivered a superhealthy boy. He weighed 9lbs.13oz. and was 22&1/2 inches long! I only gained 30 lbs. during my pregnancy. Yes, we did tests every trimester, nothing major `just double checking, and had an ulrasound twice (which are nerve racking like everything when your pregnant-your so scared for your baby, but they are such an unbelieveable experience). We even had to induce-he was late! This all happened FIVE YEARS AGO!!! Technology has come along way since then! The question your doctor, and you, needs to answer is which problem will be worse for your unborn baby—medication or a "mentally" unhealthy mother! You should be with a doctor that allows you to help make decisions that are affecting you and you baby! If he doesn’t agree or understand your concerns , or whatever….remember he is YOUR employee and you can find a different doctor. Lots, if not most, have delt with patients such as yourself! I have NO DOUBTS that you will have a beautiful and healthy baby! NONE!!! God is with you! I’d love to talk to you more about it if you like-all you *Also, as far as "hormones" especially during pregnancy they increase and make worse any problem I’ve found. *F.Y.I. I was 30 at the time of my delivery and am 36 ( just turned) now. Please let me know how things go!
Hello, I am new to this message board, but I have been trying to find ANYBODY who can help me out! I am two months pregnant and I have panic disorder (diagnosed in March of this year) and severe anxiety. My doctor is weaning me off my paxil (I was on 20 mg. a day) and I had really bad side effects because of it. Well now I am having severe relapses of panic, which I hadn’t had one for a few months. I am also suffering severe depression, which I never had before. I even think about suicide, which I never did before either. I’m only 22 and this is my first baby and I’m really scared that I’m gonna loose it and not be able to make it. Can anyone else tell me if there was any drug they took while pregnant that won’t hurt my baby? Also, I wonder if my symptoms are worse because of hormonal changes. Has anyone one been there, done that? Please e-mail me any words of wisdom. I am really scared and wigged out. I don’t think I can do this without help! Thanks!
As I previously posted, I was advised by my PDoc to increase my dosage of Zoloft from 100 mg to 200 mg per day slowly in an attempt to treat my high level of anxiety. I’m up to 125 mg now, and I’m noticing the effect; I wouldn’t exactly describe it as anxiety–more like "antsiness", or agitation. I feel like I need to be constantly moving, even if it’s drumming my fingers on a table when I’m sitting. Anyone else have a similar experience? Carol
I’ve been taking Zoloft for almost a month, 50mg and klonopin for anxiety as needed (haven’t yet) and have been very fidgety. I’m always wiggling but it isn’t bothering me. We’ll see how things go, I’m feeling tons better than I felt before I got the meds and was depressed/anxious 24/7. I’ve noticed that I’m very antsy though. shanti As I previously posted, I was advised by my PDoc to increase my dosage of Zoloft from 100 mg to 200 mg per day slowly in an attempt to treat my high level of anxiety. I’m up to 125 mg now, and I’m noticing the effect; I wouldn’t exactly describe it as anxiety–more like "antsiness", or agitation. I feel like I need to be constantly moving, even if it’s drumming my fingers on a table when I’m sitting. Anyone else have a similar experience? Carol
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